Electrochemical Study of the Interaction Mechanism of Proflavine (PF) with DNA Using Carbon Paste (CPE) and Hanging Mercury Drop (HMDE) Electrode

Abstract

Proflavine binds with DNA in a complicated manner. This work involves the electrochemical study of this interaction using differential pulse voltammetry at a carbon paste electrode (CPE) and alternating current voltammetry at a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). At the CPE the peak current intensity at 1.0 V (corresponding to the oxidation of the guanine residues) decreased by increasing the concentration of proflavine. At the HMDE, a decrease in the current intensity of the DNA peak at − 1.2 V (corresponding to segmental desorption) was also observed by increasing the concentration of proflavine. These results confirmed, electrochemically, that proflavine intercalates within the DNA double helix and changes its conformation.

Keywords:

• Carbon paste electrode
• DNA interaction
• hanging mercury drop electrode
• proflavine

This paper is part of the 03ED835 research project, implemented within the framework of the “Reinforcement Programme of Human Research Manpower” (PENED) and co-financed by National and Community Funds (25% from the Greek Ministry of Development-General Secretariat of Research and Technology and 75% from E.U.-European Social Fund).